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Water is not just a necessity—it’s a source of joy, learning, and connection for elephants like Mbegu and her herd. Every afternoon, our Keepers replenish the mud bath and water troughs at Voi, ensuring orphans and wild elephants alike have fresh water to drink and wallow in. For clever... show more

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

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22,159 views • 1 year ago •via X (Twitter)

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Mbegu is gradually transitioning to a wild life and recently started sleeping outside the Voi Stockades — but, like any youngster flying the nest, she returns like clockwork for a free meal! This is all a part of the reintegration phase: short forays away from the dependent herd, then occasional nights out. Mbegu and her group now spend all their nights in the wild, although they continue to link up with the dependent herd most days. Eventually, those visits will likely become more irregular — all part of growing up! Thanks to our supporters, orphans like Mbegu grow up with a family and a wild future. To discover her story, visit

Mbegu is gradually transitioning to a wild life and recently started sleeping outside the Voi Stockades — but, like any youngster flying the nest, she returns like clockwork for a free meal! This is all a part of the reintegration phase: short forays away from the dependent herd, then occasional nights out. Mbegu and her group now spend all their nights in the wild, although they continue to link up with the dependent herd most days. Eventually, those visits will likely become more irregular — all part of growing up! Thanks to our supporters, orphans like Mbegu grow up with a family and a wild future. To discover her story, visit

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

12,536 views • 11 months ago

Synchronised... drinking? In the dry season, our water troughs become the water cooler of the office: everyone stops by for a refreshment and a chit chat. Sometimes it's the orphans idling, other times it's our ex-orphans or wild elephants coming to visit, knowing we offer a sanctuary and a safe haven. Can you tell who's who? Our Keepers can, just by looking for ear notches, tusk shape, and forehead shape – but even that takes years of walking with an orphan by day and sleeping near them at night, until identifying them becomes second nature. Take a guess in the comments – orphan, ex-orphan, or wild visitor?

Synchronised... drinking? In the dry season, our water troughs become the water cooler of the office: everyone stops by for a refreshment and a chit chat. Sometimes it's the orphans idling, other times it's our ex-orphans or wild elephants coming to visit, knowing we offer a sanctuary and a safe haven. Can you tell who's who? Our Keepers can, just by looking for ear notches, tusk shape, and forehead shape – but even that takes years of walking with an orphan by day and sleeping near them at night, until identifying them becomes second nature. Take a guess in the comments – orphan, ex-orphan, or wild visitor?

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

15,989 views • 13 days ago

As the dry season takes hold in Tsavo, the elephant visitors come to Ithumba in a steady stream. Up to 150 congregate by our water troughs sometimes. Head Keeper Benjamin and the team are ready. Behind these full troughs is Water for Wildlife — our complex, fully committed conservation programme. Northern Tsavo is marked by high salinity levels, rendering much of its water undrinkable. To solve the water challenge, we established a desalination plant in Ithumba. Now, we can take saline water directly from the Ithumba boreholes, process it through the plant, and make it potable. Multiple times a day, our bowsers deliver water and top up troughs, dispersing the wealth throughout the landscape. This innovation has also transformed operations for our teams and the KWS units who are also based in Ithumba. Since we began providing drinkable water, wildlife have come back to the area in droves. These reliable watering points encourage elephants to remain deep within the safety of the park instead of venturing onto community land in search of food and water, which helps reduce human-wildlife conflict. Support our conservation projects, and elephants like these:

As the dry season takes hold in Tsavo, the elephant visitors come to Ithumba in a steady stream. Up to 150 congregate by our water troughs sometimes. Head Keeper Benjamin and the team are ready. Behind these full troughs is Water for Wildlife — our complex, fully committed conservation programme. Northern Tsavo is marked by high salinity levels, rendering much of its water undrinkable. To solve the water challenge, we established a desalination plant in Ithumba. Now, we can take saline water directly from the Ithumba boreholes, process it through the plant, and make it potable. Multiple times a day, our bowsers deliver water and top up troughs, dispersing the wealth throughout the landscape. This innovation has also transformed operations for our teams and the KWS units who are also based in Ithumba. Since we began providing drinkable water, wildlife have come back to the area in droves. These reliable watering points encourage elephants to remain deep within the safety of the park instead of venturing onto community land in search of food and water, which helps reduce human-wildlife conflict. Support our conservation projects, and elephants like these:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

17,060 views • 26 days ago

Happy Earth Day from the Greenest Zoo in America! Animals like Fiona the hippo and her family, the elephants, African penguins and little blue penguins swim in recycled rain water! Thanks to our official water sustainability partner Roto-Rooter!

Happy Earth Day from the Greenest Zoo in America! Animals like Fiona the hippo and her family, the elephants, African penguins and little blue penguins swim in recycled rain water! Thanks to our official water sustainability partner Roto-Rooter!

Cincinnati Zoo

29,336 views • 3 months ago

It's not only the elephants enjoying the benefits of the rains. As trickly streams become babbling brooks, Raha decides to dip her feet in the water for a drink. Orphaned at just a week old, Raha arrived into our care in a terrible state, having suffered a predator attack that resulted in extensive damage to her rear-end. Her journey of recovering is ongoing, and there have been plenty of peaks and troughs, but Raha has come a long way thanks to her strength, will to survive, and the constant support of her Keepers. Bring joy to a loved one - joy's the meaning of Raha's name by the way - by adopting Raha as a gift for them, so that they might become a part of her story:

It's not only the elephants enjoying the benefits of the rains. As trickly streams become babbling brooks, Raha decides to dip her feet in the water for a drink. Orphaned at just a week old, Raha arrived into our care in a terrible state, having suffered a predator attack that resulted in extensive damage to her rear-end. Her journey of recovering is ongoing, and there have been plenty of peaks and troughs, but Raha has come a long way thanks to her strength, will to survive, and the constant support of her Keepers. Bring joy to a loved one - joy's the meaning of Raha's name by the way - by adopting Raha as a gift for them, so that they might become a part of her story:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

11,910 views • 1 year ago

Mbegu and little Busara are sharing a tender moment, showcasing the deep bonds that define elephant relationships. Family is everything to elephants — their lives revolve around their herds, with each member playing a vital role in nurturing and protecting one another. Even orphans like Busara find a new family among their fellow rescues, creating bonds that are just as strong and enduring. It's thanks to your support that we can help offer orphaned elephants a forever family:

Mbegu and little Busara are sharing a tender moment, showcasing the deep bonds that define elephant relationships. Family is everything to elephants — their lives revolve around their herds, with each member playing a vital role in nurturing and protecting one another. Even orphans like Busara find a new family among their fellow rescues, creating bonds that are just as strong and enduring. It's thanks to your support that we can help offer orphaned elephants a forever family:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

16,228 views • 1 year ago

A herd of 18 elephants, led by collared matriarch Ivy, moved into a community and became trapped inside settlement fences. Luckily, Ivy’s collar already alerted the Mara Elephant Project rangers from the Delta team, and using their drone, they quickly responded, identified a safe way out of the fence maze, and guided the elephants back toward the conservancy. True to her role as matriarch, Ivy could be seen ensuring every member of her herd made it out safely.

A herd of 18 elephants, led by collared matriarch Ivy, moved into a community and became trapped inside settlement fences. Luckily, Ivy’s collar already alerted the Mara Elephant Project rangers from the Delta team, and using their drone, they quickly responded, identified a safe way out of the fence maze, and guided the elephants back toward the conservancy. True to her role as matriarch, Ivy could be seen ensuring every member of her herd made it out safely.

Mara Elephant Project

17,093 views • 11 months ago

Elephants throng to a beautiful pond somewhere in the North Cauvery Wild Life Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The Forest Team has desilted 20 such ponds to ensure water availability for wildlife throughout the year in the North and the South Cauvery Wild Life Sanctuary. Awesome work by DFO jagdish Bakan and his team 💪 #elephants #wildlife #biodiversity #TNForest

Elephants throng to a beautiful pond somewhere in the North Cauvery Wild Life Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The Forest Team has desilted 20 such ponds to ensure water availability for wildlife throughout the year in the North and the South Cauvery Wild Life Sanctuary. Awesome work by DFO jagdish Bakan and his team 💪 #elephants #wildlife #biodiversity #TNForest

Supriya Sahu IAS

10,277 views • 1 year ago

Baby shower 🚿 Tula and her mom Rose-Tu enjoyed a splash in a warm shower. Asian elephants can drink up to 50 gallons of water a day, and they often swim and play in it too!

Baby shower 🚿 Tula and her mom Rose-Tu enjoyed a splash in a warm shower. Asian elephants can drink up to 50 gallons of water a day, and they often swim and play in it too!

Oregon Zoo

65,828 views • 1 year ago

Elephants don't drink through their trunks – they drink with them. A trunk can hold up to 8 litres of water in a single draw. The elephant pulls it up, then curls the trunk to release the water into the mouth. On a hot day at Voi, that sequence repeats over and over. It takes young orphans time to master. Calves are born without full trunk coordination – in their earliest weeks, many kneel at the waterhole and drink directly with their mouth. The trunk comes later, learned by watching older members of the herd. These orphans have it well and truly mastered. Step into Voi:

Elephants don't drink through their trunks – they drink with them. A trunk can hold up to 8 litres of water in a single draw. The elephant pulls it up, then curls the trunk to release the water into the mouth. On a hot day at Voi, that sequence repeats over and over. It takes young orphans time to master. Calves are born without full trunk coordination – in their earliest weeks, many kneel at the waterhole and drink directly with their mouth. The trunk comes later, learned by watching older members of the herd. These orphans have it well and truly mastered. Step into Voi:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

19,168 views • 2 months ago

Just your average day out walking... with a rescued giraffe and four baby elephants! Twiggy — the tallest member of our herd — sets her own daily itinerary, but more often than not it involves joining Chamboi the rhino, and then Mwinzi, Toto, Natibu, and Korbessa the elephants, for their respective mud baths, and she'll always find time in her day to socialise with the many other orphans in Kaluku too, such as Mr Bean, Bibi, Bombi and the ostriches. A combination of nosey neighbour and mother goose, read how Twiggy came to need our help, and how you can be a part of her story through an adoption at:

Just your average day out walking... with a rescued giraffe and four baby elephants! Twiggy — the tallest member of our herd — sets her own daily itinerary, but more often than not it involves joining Chamboi the rhino, and then Mwinzi, Toto, Natibu, and Korbessa the elephants, for their respective mud baths, and she'll always find time in her day to socialise with the many other orphans in Kaluku too, such as Mr Bean, Bibi, Bombi and the ostriches. A combination of nosey neighbour and mother goose, read how Twiggy came to need our help, and how you can be a part of her story through an adoption at:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

20,840 views • 1 year ago

It’s #WorldElephantDay so we’re joining Edwin at the Nairobi Nursery to meet the orphaned elephants on our care. It’s only with donor support that we’re able to respond, rescue, raise, and ultimately rewild orphaned elephants. We are immensely grateful to our supporters for ensuring we can be there for the orphans of today, and secure a future for the species. Meet our herd at:

It’s #WorldElephantDay so we’re joining Edwin at the Nairobi Nursery to meet the orphaned elephants on our care. It’s only with donor support that we’re able to respond, rescue, raise, and ultimately rewild orphaned elephants. We are immensely grateful to our supporters for ensuring we can be there for the orphans of today, and secure a future for the species. Meet our herd at:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

17,097 views • 11 months ago

From tiny orphans in need to wild-living families, we support elephants every step of their lives. Elephant conservation is not the work of a moment, but a monumental, multi-generational commitment. The lifespan of an elephant mirrors our own. As we nurture the orphans of today, we are working on the bigger picture — securing entire landscapes, safeguarding wild lives, and tackling root threats like poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict — to secure a future for all elephants. To date, we have rescued over 300 orphaned elephants and welcomed 77 wild grandbabies of our Orphans' Project. Our fast growing elephant family tree is a testament to the success of this 'big picture' conservation work. Every life saved, every wild baby born, is a result of thousands of kilometres patrolled by rangers, countless hours flown by pilots, long days and sleepless nights worked by teams in the field. Will you become part of the bigger picture? Join us this #WorldElephantDay (and every day) in protecting Kenya's elephants — become a donor or adopt an orphan:

From tiny orphans in need to wild-living families, we support elephants every step of their lives. Elephant conservation is not the work of a moment, but a monumental, multi-generational commitment. The lifespan of an elephant mirrors our own. As we nurture the orphans of today, we are working on the bigger picture — securing entire landscapes, safeguarding wild lives, and tackling root threats like poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict — to secure a future for all elephants. To date, we have rescued over 300 orphaned elephants and welcomed 77 wild grandbabies of our Orphans' Project. Our fast growing elephant family tree is a testament to the success of this 'big picture' conservation work. Every life saved, every wild baby born, is a result of thousands of kilometres patrolled by rangers, countless hours flown by pilots, long days and sleepless nights worked by teams in the field. Will you become part of the bigger picture? Join us this #WorldElephantDay (and every day) in protecting Kenya's elephants — become a donor or adopt an orphan:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

27,775 views • 11 months ago

Elephants love babies. Nsimba is no exception. When ex-orphan Naipoki and her calf, Nsimba, stopped by the Voi stockades for a visit earlier this year, deep rumbles ran out and outstretched trunks from herd of orphans tried to touch her tiny baby. A little overwhelmed, Nsimba dived for cover between her legs – his safe place. Nsimba's first ever visit to Voi was a similar story: Elephants big and small surrounded the calf with great fanfare, relishing every minute with the tiny baby. And, it seemed, it sparked baby fever among our ex-orphans too, leading to one of the biggest kidnappings we've ever seen (spoiler: everyone is fine!):

Elephants love babies. Nsimba is no exception. When ex-orphan Naipoki and her calf, Nsimba, stopped by the Voi stockades for a visit earlier this year, deep rumbles ran out and outstretched trunks from herd of orphans tried to touch her tiny baby. A little overwhelmed, Nsimba dived for cover between her legs – his safe place. Nsimba's first ever visit to Voi was a similar story: Elephants big and small surrounded the calf with great fanfare, relishing every minute with the tiny baby. And, it seemed, it sparked baby fever among our ex-orphans too, leading to one of the biggest kidnappings we've ever seen (spoiler: everyone is fine!):

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

21,634 views • 8 days ago

Today, our quiet girls were having a pool party! Akina is a reserved elephant by nature, but the mud bath is her time to shine. She loves water and she loves to show off in it. In fact, we often find her loitering around the pool, just waiting for the other orphans to vacate so she can have it all to herself. As the herd headed into the bush this afternoon, Akina noticed Rokka lagging behind in the water. She about-turned to join her friend, and the two girls enjoyed a splashy show-off session. The Keepers enjoyed the spectacle! Every elephant seen here is an orphan. While each suffered a unique tragedy, they found a family with us – one that will continue to love and support them through their lives. Meet the herd:

Today, our quiet girls were having a pool party! Akina is a reserved elephant by nature, but the mud bath is her time to shine. She loves water and she loves to show off in it. In fact, we often find her loitering around the pool, just waiting for the other orphans to vacate so she can have it all to herself. As the herd headed into the bush this afternoon, Akina noticed Rokka lagging behind in the water. She about-turned to join her friend, and the two girls enjoyed a splashy show-off session. The Keepers enjoyed the spectacle! Every elephant seen here is an orphan. While each suffered a unique tragedy, they found a family with us – one that will continue to love and support them through their lives. Meet the herd:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

12,412 views • 4 months ago

People in Gaza are pleading for a drop of water. Every day, we receive dozens of urgent appeals from camps that have been cut off from drinking water, where displaced families are living in unbearable conditions. Families spend long hours searching for water, while young children are forced to carry heavy jerrycans and walk long distances. In many cases, the only water available is unsafe for drinking and intended only for irrigation. In Gaza, water is no longer just a daily necessity, it has become a struggle for survival. Parents are unable to provide a clean cup of water for their children, while the sick and elderly endure thirst inside tents under the intense heat. Providing water today is not a luxury, it is an urgent necessity that saves lives and preserves dignity. That is why our team is working to reach as many camps as possible to deliver safe drinking water to displaced families. Every contribution can help bring clean water to a family exhausted by thirst and siege. Your donations make a difference… because everyone deserves water and life. To contribute: Thank you!

People in Gaza are pleading for a drop of water. Every day, we receive dozens of urgent appeals from camps that have been cut off from drinking water, where displaced families are living in unbearable conditions. Families spend long hours searching for water, while young children are forced to carry heavy jerrycans and walk long distances. In many cases, the only water available is unsafe for drinking and intended only for irrigation. In Gaza, water is no longer just a daily necessity, it has become a struggle for survival. Parents are unable to provide a clean cup of water for their children, while the sick and elderly endure thirst inside tents under the intense heat. Providing water today is not a luxury, it is an urgent necessity that saves lives and preserves dignity. That is why our team is working to reach as many camps as possible to deliver safe drinking water to displaced families. Every contribution can help bring clean water to a family exhausted by thirst and siege. Your donations make a difference… because everyone deserves water and life. To contribute: Thank you!

Handala Relief Project

15,422 views • 3 months ago

2026's first wild-born calf made her debut and we are beyond smitten. Ex-orphan Arruba gave birth to her last Thursday – a perfect little girl who has been named Aura. She is our first grandcalf of 2026, born to an orphan we rescued, raised, and rewilded (as you'll have read, more have since followed!). We aren’t the ones who are smitten. Arruba is supported by her fellow orphans-turned-family-turned-aunties, including Mbegu, Pika Pika, Tagwa, and Mudanda. All rescued orphans, they found a family in our care – and now that family continues in the wild, where are raising the next generation of Kenya’s elephants together. We rescued Arruba in 2013, when she was just a tiny baby herself. Revisit her story:

2026's first wild-born calf made her debut and we are beyond smitten. Ex-orphan Arruba gave birth to her last Thursday – a perfect little girl who has been named Aura. She is our first grandcalf of 2026, born to an orphan we rescued, raised, and rewilded (as you'll have read, more have since followed!). We aren’t the ones who are smitten. Arruba is supported by her fellow orphans-turned-family-turned-aunties, including Mbegu, Pika Pika, Tagwa, and Mudanda. All rescued orphans, they found a family in our care – and now that family continues in the wild, where are raising the next generation of Kenya’s elephants together. We rescued Arruba in 2013, when she was just a tiny baby herself. Revisit her story:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

18,732 views • 6 months ago